Aid agencies make urgent call for Myanmar funds

from AlertNet

LONDON, Sept 28 (Reuters) - The death of a Japanese photographer during a police crackdown on mass protests in Myanmar has triggered speculation that Tokyo could suspend humanitarian aid to the country, one of the poorest in the world.

That would be a blow given the relatively small amount of international assistance flowing to Myanmar, which has been under military rule for 45 years. Aid agencies are calling on donors to reach deeper into their pockets.

"International assistance is $2.50 per person per year - possibly the lowest in the world, perhaps barring North Korea," said Save the Children's country representative Andrew Kirkwood.

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